The center was founded as a private, nonprofit organization by a volunteer group of six doctors of chiropractic; the building that housed the center was bequeathed by doctors Ruth and Orville Witt. In 1977, Drs. William and Bobby Doscher assumed responsibility for the center's daily operations. Dr. Bobby became president and CEO at the time of Dr. Witt's death in 1981. As the center grew, another facility was purchased in 1993. The new center is more centrally located, and allows for future expansion to treat more children, to conduct research, and to educate people about the benefits of the natural, drug-free health care of chiropractic. Oklahaven's influence has also been felt internationally, as Dr. Bobby and staff have traveled to treat children in Mexico, Guatemala and Jordan.
Each February during the week of Valentine's Day, Oklahaven sponsors a fundraising event called "Have-a-Heart." Participating DCs show the center's video to their patients. The video depicts the benefits of chiropractic for children. For a donation to the center, the chiropractors' names are put on hearts and displayed in their clinics. The program increases awareness of pediatric chiropractic, and helps support Oklahaven, which has never received federal, state, or United Way funding.
Dr. Bobby Doscher and the staff of Oklahaven are frequently asked to share the successes and techniques of the center. As part of its 40th anniversary, Oklahaven has produced a video that illustrates the power of chiropractic for children through stories parents have shared. Oklahaven considers the video to be a great practice-building tool, and a way to encourage parents to seek alternatives to medical treatment. Sales of the video allow Oklahaven to continue to treat children who, as Dr. Bobby Doscher points out, "have run the gamut of traditional medicine, as well as bringing awareness of the chiropractic way of life to the community."
For more information, contact:
Oklahaven Children's Chiropractic Center
4500 N. Meridian
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
Tel: 405 948-8807
www.chiropractic4kids.com
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